Things I'm Learning (and an update)

  Some of the nuggets from my devotional Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young (also available in an app):

You hear Me in the depths of your being.  The best response is a heart over-flowing with gratitude.  I am training you to cultivate a thankful mind-set.

   I can definitely say I've had a heart overflowing with gratitude and have been in a thankful mind-set.  God has shown Himself over and over in so many ways through people (some I don't even know), circumstances, and quiet moments.  As I was meditating on this (No...not chanting and clearing my mind...thinking on the devotion and scriptures) I thought about some of the things people had been saying.
   Most who know me know it's a bit hard for me to take compliments.  I never know how to respond.  While praying about this, I really think God was helping me to see what I need to do.  I need to take the compliments for what they are...encouraging words of love, concern, encouragement, and hope that bathe me in His presence.
   So anyway...here's what I believe I got from all of this:

• When people say I'm inspirational, point them to the One Who is True Inspiration...the Creator, Sustainer, and Giver of Life.
• When people say I'm strong, remember I'm week and point them to the One Who is Strong and Mighty in Power.
• When people say my faith will see me through, remember it's the One in Whom my faith is put...the Ever Faithful One..that will see me through.

     Ray Stedman, in Adventuring Through the Bible, p.571, says it so well:

When we freely admit that without Christ we can do nothing- and we live our lives accordingly, totally dependent on Him- then we discover that "we can do all things through Him that strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)and what an amazing discovery that is.

 Now after writing all this, I could probably best summarize it like this:

It's not about me; It's about Him.

Update:

       Wow...another good day! Nice visit from my sis this morning...scored a Hello Kitty toothbrush! Had some "no screen" rest time...I'm trying! Dayspring friend picked up supplies so she and her Bible study could help me complete a project. Bible study with pizza (got permission from doc) and great visit with special friends. On last chemo bag...told I still have to hang around for a while. Continue to learn so much about God's provision and awesome power! Very thankful and blessed to have the time and feel up to visiting with everyone...family, friends, hospital staff, etc.  I am well care for and well loved. I was a little sad today when I realized I would be missing my 29th School Kick-Off. Have I been teaching that long? This aging thing is not working well for me right now.  No worries...my school family is awesome!  Looking forward to returning; concentrating on doing what I'm suppose to be doing now.  Hanging out and watching God work!